2014 Walter Hansel Chardonnay Cuvée Alyce
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Tasting notes
The 2014 Chardonnay Cuvée Alyce is the most exuberant of the Hansel Chardonnays. Crème brulee, candied orange peel, apricot jam, spices and butter hit the palate in a deep, exotic wine loaded with personality and class. The Alyce emerges from a parcel planted with Wente and Clone 95 Chardonnay. The new oak here is at the upper end of the range for Hansel.
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Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The top Chardonnay every year is named after Stephen Hansel’s mother. The 2014 Chardonnay Cuvée Alyce is a field blend of a Hyde and Hudson Old Wente. This vineyard always produces the smallest clusters and tiniest berries and, hence, the richest offering. It’s a stunner in 2014, with a light straw/gold color and terrific notes of pineapple, white peach, honeysuckle and citrus oil. Full-bodied and rich with great acidity, beautiful purity and subtle oak, this is a stunner to drink over the next 7-10 years.